← Back to Search

1990 Ford Probe GL

The 1990 Ford Probe GL is a 110-hp 2.2-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $11,864 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 110 horsepower at 4,700 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Probe measures 177.0 inches long on a 99.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,730 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$11,864 ($29,501 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.2L Mazda F2 SOHC 12V I4
Displacement2.2 L
Horsepower110 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Torque130 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 3 valves/cylinder
Compression Ratio8.6:1
Injection TypeMulti-port fuel injection (Mazda EGI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity15 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14"
Wheels Rear14"
Dimensions & Weight
Length177 in
Width67.9 in
Height51.8 in
Wheelbase99 in
Curb Weight2,730 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37.3 in
Headroom Rear35 in
Legroom Front42.5 in
Legroom Rear29.9 in
Shoulder Room Front54.7 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.7 in
Hip Room Front55.8 in
Hip Room Rear55.8 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1990 Ford PROBE. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 6, 1996 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

NOTE: PASSENGER SIDE (RIGHT) SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.

NHTSA campaign 96V172002

Sep 6, 1996 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

NOTE: DRIVER'S SIDE (LEFT) PASSIVE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.

NHTSA campaign 96V172001

Oct 13, 1993 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM

THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Consequence: IF THE RETAINING RING DOES NOT SIT CORRECTLY IN THEGROOVE, THE AXLE LUG NUTS WILL BREAK, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, AND TIREASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.

NHTSA campaign 93E035000

Sep 25, 1989 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.

Consequence: THROTTLE MAY STICK AND NOT RETURN FULLY TO IDLEPOSITION.

Remedy: PLACE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON DELIVERY HOLD UNTIL REPAIRED.

NHTSA campaign 89V159000

329 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1990 Ford PROBE

Owner Complaints

329 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Ford PROBE (8 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 14 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Seat Belts284
Electrical System11
Visibility8
Engine And Engine Cooling7
Hydraulic6
Service Brakes6
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 14, 2007 · Seat Belts
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS RETRACTORS WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE SEAT BELTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000 AND THE FAILURE…”
May 3, 2007 · Seat Belts
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AGO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO USE THE SEAT BELTS…”
Dec 8, 2006 · Seat Belts
“DRIVER SIDE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRACK. *NM”
Apr 10, 2006 · Parking Brake, Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Seat Belts, Structure, Latches/Locks/Linkages, Wheels
“RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING…”
May 24, 2005 · Seat Belts, Equipment
“DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RESTRAINT (SHOLDER HARNESS) DOESN'T FUNCTION. 1990 FORD PROBE LX. WAS ISSUE OF A RECALL IN 1996. SUBJECT RESTRAINT HAS FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR. FIRST REPAIR WAS…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1990 FORD PROBE. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search